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The Under 16s completed four games in sweltering morning conditions to start the Australian Youth Championships on Wednesday morning.

With a forecast of 43 degrees by 3:00PM, play was called around 12:45PM at both Preston and Essendon.

Below are mini recaps of the day.

Don’t forget to follow us on socials via baseball.com.au and through our Hub at www.baseball.com.au/ayc2026.

For select highlights, visit us on YouTube. You can watch replays on Baseball+.

RESULTS

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Day 1 Schedule – January 7

– Queensland 13 def Roos 3
– Victoria 5 def South Australia 4
– New South Wales 12 vs New South Wales Country 1
– Victoria 9 def Western Australia 4

STANDINGS

1. Victoria 2-0
2. New South Wales 1-0
3. Queensland 1-0
4. South Australia 0-1
5. Western Australia 0-1
6. New South Wales Country 0-1
7. ACT Roos 0-1

Watch games from Essendon live and free on Baseball+ via App Store or plus.baseball.com.au.

RECAPS

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Queensland 13 def Roos 3: Queensland score 12 unanswered to start tournament with a bang

It wasn’t as easy as the scoreline suggested but Queensland started their tournament with a come-from-behind win in 30+ degree heat at 8:30 in the morning.

The Roos tested Queensland early, poking out to a 3-1 lead in the second inning. Then, Queensland scored twelve unanswered runs, plating seven runs in the third, three in the fourth and two in the fifth.

Their seven run third was the critical inning.

Logan Lokani, Beau Cole, Chase Crew, Tyson Weavell, Thomas White, and Buzz Mecham all recorded hits. Weavell’s pinch-hit two-RBI single put Queensland up 4-3 and Mecham cashed in a pair of runs to reach the seven run maximum.

Zavier Leigh had a standout game. He went 3-for-3 with 2 RBI, a walk and a great over-the-shoulder catch in right field.

All 20 players hit the field for Queensland. Ambrose Ryan (2.0 IP), Sammy Plum (2.0 IP) and Xavier Honsa (1.0 IP) did not allow an earned run. Honsa led the team with two strikeouts.

For the Roos, Owen Monaghan, Ethan Everett and Hamish Willemsen all had hits. Willemsen had a nice catch and an RBI.

ROOS

Hits (3): Monaghan, Everett, Willemsen
RBI: Willemsen

QUEENSLAND

Hits (10): Leigh (3), Mecham (2), White, Lokeni, Cole, Crew, Weavell
RBI: Lewis Hill (2), Weavell (2), Mechem (2), Bain, Crew

VICTORIA 5 def SOUTH AUSTRALIA 4: Victoria score three in the last to stun South Australia

Victoria battled back from two runs down in the last inning to narrowly edge South Australia at Preston.

Entering the sixth and final inning down 4-2, the tournament hosts turned it on. Oscar Shimakura delivered an RBI single to cut the score to 4-3. Jackson Burton tied the game with a single of his own.

Parks Halasz provided a sacrifice fly to give Victoria a 5-4 advantage. Shimakura registered the save, recording the final two outs.

The game was an epic arm-wrestle.

Arky Vingelis-Plant opened the scoring in the second for South Australia with an RBI single.

Sam Stafilis hit the first homer of the tournament for Victoria to tie the game at one.

Oliver Breach gave SA the lead, 2-1, in the bottom of the third.

Halasz had his first RBI of the day to tie the game at two in the fifth.

South Australia scored two in the bottom of the fifth to lead 4-2. Then came the late game dramatics.

Jackson Burton led Victoria with three hits. Shimakura and Halasz each had two.

Sebastian Bravo led South Australia with two hits.

James Dallman tossed 3.2 innings for South Australia, allowing just one run.

Thomas started for Victoria, allowing one earned run in 3.1 innings.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Hits (8):  Sebastian Bravo (2), James Dallman, Liam Trembath, Oliver Breach, Hugo Costa, Arky Vingelis-Plant, Levi Burns
RBI: Dallman, Vingelis-Plan

VICTORIA

Hits (10): Jackson Burton (3), Oscar Shimakura (2), Parks Halasz (2), Jacob Tayler, Sam Stafilis, Ollie Allen
RBI: Halasz (2), Stafilis
HR: Stafilis

VICTORIA 9 def WESTERN AUSTRALIA 4: Victoria sitting pretty after undefeated start 

Victoria are the only 2-0 team after sweeping double-header at Preston.

The Vics systematically built a 9-0 advantage through four innings and never turned back. They did all their scoring off of just five hits.

Jack Thomas had two hits and two RBI to lead the charge.

Western Australia scored all four runs in the fifth and final inning.

Victoria’s pitching was dominant up until that point. They no-hit WA through the first four innings. Cruize Chase tossed 2.1 innings with two strikeouts, and Jack Northfield followed with two shutout innings of his own.

VICTORIA

Hits (5): Jack Thomas (2), Daniel Hwang, Oscar Shimakura, Jackson Burton
RBI: Thomas Hill (4), Jack Thomas (2), Shimakura, Burton

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Hits (4): Chayce Humble, Flynn Hennessy, Riley Lines, Jake Corey

NEW SOUTH WALES 12 def NEW SOUTH WALES COUNTRY 1: Noah Nash homers, New South Wales relentless in opening win

Noah Nash led a New South Wales offensive onslaught in their tournament opening win.

Nash homered to open the scoring the first inning to open the account and New South Wales never looked back. Nash finished with three hits and two RBI in the dominating victory.

Alex Bennetts drove in a pair of runs to push the lead to 3-0 after one. Daniel Price and Mitch Howay each knocked in two runs in a four-run second. 7-0.

Nash and Bennetts padded their stat lines by each driving in a run in the third. Bennetts finished with two hits and a game-leading three RBI.

Owen Hart walked four times for New South Wales.

Brock Moore drove in Country’s only run.

On the mound, Jet Creamer struck out four in 1.2 innings. Jack Phegan tossed 2.1 perfect shutout innings. Seyeon Kim tossed an inning, allowing just one run.

NEW SOUTH WALES COUNTRY

Hits (4): Liam Gardner, Tennyson Bragg, Brock Moore, Cooper Stark
RBI: Moore

NEW SOUTH WALES 

Hits (10): Noah Nash (3), Alex Bennetts (2), Daniel Price (2), Austin Murdoch, Mitch Howay, Jack Kelly
RBI: Bennetts (3), Nash (2), Howay (2), Price (2), Harrison Thomas-McLean (2), Austin Murdoch
HR: Nash

Baseball Australia has made the proactive decision to adjust the start of the 2026 Australian Youth Championships in Melbourne.

With heat forecasted of 40+ degrees on Wednesday 7 January, Baseball Australia has shortened Day 1 of the tournament and altered the schedule. Game times have also been moved up earlier in the day.

The new schedule can be found here, or in the image below. Make sure you follow the Tournament Hub at www.baseball.com.au/ayc2026 for full tournament coverage and updates.

The U16 and U18 Australian National Baseball Championships is one of the country’s best junior sporting events.

Called the Australian Youth Championships (AYC), the best young players come to the country and compete for state pride.

It’s an event which brings out pure passion from players who are representing something bigger than themselves – their club, their community, their family and importantly…their state.

Global talent scouters will have their eye on the event.

College coaches, professional scouts and high-performance staff watch closely, searching for the next wave of Australian talent ready to take the next step.

This year’s event, held 7–15 January in Melbourne, is again set to attract significant attention.

HUB: All your information for the 2026 AYC

While the primary focus of the teams and their players is winning a national title, scouts from at least 16 Major League Baseball (MLB) clubs have confirmed their attendance at the event, with others watching from afar, making it one of the most heavily scouted junior sporting tournaments in the region.

That level of interest regularly translates into opportunity. Just last year, Mitch Evans and Robinson Smith signed professional contracts shortly after the Championships.

The college pathway is equally active.

More than 100 Australians are currently playing college baseball in the United States, and over the last three years, over 65 players alone have committed to college programs directly after appearing at AYC.

While the total number of schools tracking the event is impossible to quantify, Baseball Australia provides every college coach who asks with complete game footage and detailed player clips, ensuring no athlete goes unseen.

A major driver of that visibility is Baseball Australia’s partnership with Synergy Sports, who film and tag every pitch of the tournament.

Through the agreement, Synergy sends two operators to Melbourne, generating the data and video that the High Performance team uses to create individual player reels.

“Those videos are then shared with MLB teams and college programs, allowing decision-makers to evaluate Australian talent with the same tools they rely on in the United States,” says Andrew Riddell, Baseball Australia’s Player Development Manager. “The partnership has transformed how Australian athletes are scouted and recruited. It’s massive for the pathway.”

The Championships are also one of the most watched events in the country.

All games stream free on Baseball+, drawing close to 3,000 viewers per game, while the tournament’s dedicated AYC Hub records more than 20,000 page views across the week. Social media coverage on Baseball.com.au reaches around 400,000 unique accounts with over 2 million impressions throughout the week.

For players, families and community members, it means every standout moment reaches far beyond the ballpark.

Since 2024, 49 players have either signed professionally or committed to US colleges after competing at AYC — and with big interest again this year, that total is poised to grow.

In 2025, a record number of Australians played Division I baseball (24).

Follow along the 2026 version of the tournament via the AYC Hub: www.baseball.com.au/ayc2026. Team previews and rosters are now posted.

 

South Australia has turned into a bit of a baseball hot-bed as of late.

They were one of two states in 2025 to medal in both divisions – Gold at U16 and Bronze at U18.

They are the back-to-back U16 Girls champions.

They also hold the last two Australians to reach the major leagues. Their ABL side has won two of the last three Claxton Shields.

ALL TEAM ROSTERS AT TOURNAMENT HUB: 2026 AYC Information 

It’s a small community, but one that prides itself on outperforming their participation numbers.

How will South Australia’s gold medal group perform up an age group? Will an entirely new U16 squad be able to handle national championship pressure?

Your South Australian roster and preview is below.

U18 SOUTH AUSTRALIA: CONNECTED, CONFIDENT, AND CHASING A MEDAL

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2025 Result: Bronze

2025 Result: Bronze

South Australia enters the Australian Youth Championships with a U18 group that knows what this stage demands — and believes it belongs here.

Led by team manager Chris Sims, this is a program with experience and continuity. Sims is overseeing his fifth AYC campaign, and the familiarity shows in how this group has prepared and how it carries itself.

Preparation for this tournament has been ongoing for months. The off-season never really stopped, with players juggling heavy state league schedules, high-performance sessions, and recovery blocks. As December progressed, the focus narrowed.

“Back end of December we start to work on the team defence side of things and lock in on specific AYC prep more,” Sims said.

They’ll also be travelling to Victoria to play a friendship series between Christmas and New Years for extra preparation.

The expectations are clear.

“We expect to make it out of the pool rounds and compete for a medal,” said Sims.

What sets this group apart is not just talent, but connection.

Many of these players have grown through the system together — a product of South Australia’s smaller baseball community — and that familiarity has turned into confidence.

“Our biggest strength is the connection this group has,” Sims said. “They’ve all played together for a long time… they’ve now also won together and have confidence they can perform at this event.”

Return player Owen Couzner agrees.

“It’s honestly a brotherhood — we all get along really well,” he said.

A large portion of this year’s group went undefeated in the U16 Division in 2025 en route to a Gold Medal. Now, they bump up a level.

Toby Kortekaas, a return U18 player, says he is looking forward to having an influx of champions on the team.

“A lot of the players on our team know what it’s like to play in the gold medal game and that will be a huge strength to our confidence,” he exclaimed.

That connection feeds directly into the team culture.

Training sessions are driven as much by the players as the staff.

“We have a strong player-led culture,” Sims said. “Guys aren’t afraid to speak up around standards and expectations we have set ourselves.”

On the field, the biggest jump has come offensively.

Over the past month, the lineup has taken a noticeable step forward, both in production and intent.

“Our offence has taken a big step forward over the past four to six weeks,” Sims said. “Guys are producing good numbers locally and are locked into getting their work in during practice and at West Beach on non-practice days.”

That offensive growth has been supported by clear focus areas at training. Hitters have been drilled on plate approach, while the pitching staff has worked heavily on command and efficiency.

“We’ve focused on plate approach for our hitters along with two-pitch command and efficiency for our pitching staff,” Sims said. “We’ve also worked on improving the overall fitness base across the group.”

Roster construction reflected both strategy and conditions. With U18s returning to metal bats, Sims and his staff anticipated increased offence across the tournament.

“You would expect to see a spike in offence this January,” Sims said. “Having more pitching depth was a factor in our selections.”

South Australia has expanded to 20 players, up from 18 last year, with additional arms added to manage workloads across a demanding schedule.

Several players are primed to make a statement on the national stage. On the mound, Sims points to Deakin Filko as a tone-setter. Filko pitched for Australia at the recent U18 World Cup.

“If Deak can keep his pitch count efficiency in check, he will have a very good tournament,” Sims said. “He’s touched 90 in our winter programs and has plus off-speed to complement.”

Offensively, Taj Williams is a name to watch.

“He’s put a body of work in over the off-season and has been holding down shortstop for one of the better State League teams in Adelaide at just 16 years of age. Expect him to play a key role on the left side of the diamond and in the heart of the lineup,” he says.

Another name to watch: Ollie Hayes. The newly turned 16-year-old won the MVP of the U16 bracket last year. How he translates to an age group above will play a big role in South Australia’s success.

At its core, this group reflects what South Australia continues to produce: connected players, strong work ethic, and shared belief.

“Small state,” Sims said. “Our kids all work hard together and have wonderful connection.”

With experience in the dugout, confidence in the group, and a clear goal in sight, South Australia enters the U18 Australian Youth Championships ready to compete — and ready to chase hardware.

THREE THINGS TO WATCH

1. Pitching depth in a metal-bat environment

With offence expected to rise across the tournament, South Australia’s decision to carry extra arms could be decisive. Managing workloads and winning bullpen innings will be key.

2. Offensive growth against elite competition

The SA lineup has taken a clear step forward locally. How that improved plate approach translates against the country’s best arms will shape their medal push.

3. Gold Medal Mettle

This is a confident, player-led group that isn’t afraid to hold standards. Many of these players were 2025 U16 Champions for a reason. Watch how they respond in tight games — their connection and shared history may be their biggest edge.

U16 SOUTH AUSTRALIA: A NEW GROUP, SAME STANDARD

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2025 Result: Gold Medal

Defending champion South Australia arrives at the Australian Youth Championships with a fresh-look U16 squad and a familiar expectation: compete hard, play the game the right way, and stay in the fight.

Coached by Marc Taintey, this year’s team is made up entirely of first-time AYC players.

That’s a big shift from last year’s gold-medal group, but Taintey believes the opportunity — not the pressure — is the driving force.

“All players this year are newcomers to AYC,” Taintey said. “The expectation is to compete, execute our strategy, and immerse ourselves in the experience that is an AYC. The results will be what they will be.”

That reality hasn’t been lost on the group, with many experiencing their first opportunity to represent South Australia at a national level.

“I have never left South Australia to play baseball… this is my first state team,” pitcher Ari Mundy said. “But I can’t wait to follow in the footsteps of others.”

That sense of opportunity is a consistent thread throughout the squad.

“I’m really keen to putting my talents on the stage at the AYCs this year,” shortstop Sebastian Bravo added.

Preparation has been thorough and deliberate.

South Australia’s pathway began back in July with a 40-player squad, narrowed to 20 by early November. Training has been consistent throughout, with two sessions a week and competitive games mixed in to keep players sharp.

One thing fans will notice early is how this team plays the game. Taintey has built the group around pitching, defence, and flexibility — a formula designed to keep SA competitive against anyone.

“Pitching and defence keeps you in ball games — especially at this age group,” he said. “We’ve focused on throwing strikes, limiting free runners, and making the routine plays.”

That focus is backed by depth. SA carries 16 pitchers, many of whom can also play other positions, giving the coaching staff options across a long tournament.

Offensively, there is speed and power at the top of the lineup, with players capable of creating pressure in different ways.

Culture has been another pillar of the build.

“It’s competitive and fun, with a real care factor for the team,” Taintey said. “There’s also some old-school discipline, so the group understands the privilege they’ve earned representing South Australia.”

It’s a sentiment players in the squad back up.

“A lot of us have played with and against each other for years, so we have pretty good chemistry,” outfielder Liam Trembath added.

Others echoed the same sentiment.

“Our skills and teamwork — we have each other’s backs and work hard,” Matthew Dunn said.

“We are a tight team unit,” Oliver Breach added.

Several players have positioned themselves as names to remember.

Hugo Costa brings size, speed, and raw athleticism as a two-way player.

James Dallmann offers versatility and competitiveness, able to impact games on the mound or in the field.

Will Stock provides offensive punch and edge, while Alice Brown gives SA reliability and calm on the mound as a consistent strike-thrower.

South Australia’s recent success at both AYC level and in the ABL continues to shape expectations within the program.

For Taintey, that history is about opportunity as much as outcome.

“It creates an understanding of what’s possible for athletes who are committed to their development,” he said.

A playoff berth is the goal, but the identity is clear: compete, execute, and earn every inning.

“I’d hope we can be part of the top four,” Taintey said.

THREE THINGS TO WATCH

1. Pitching depth over the tournament

With 16 pitchers and multiple two-way players, South Australia has the ability to spread innings and stay fresh late in the week — a major advantage at national championships.

2. Defensive execution

This team has been drilled on fundamentals. If SA is clean in the field and limits mistakes, they’ll stay in games against any opponent.

3. Emerging stars on the big stage

For many players, this will be their first taste of a national spotlight. Keep an eye on Costa, Dallmann, Stock and Brown as potential breakout performers.

The ACT Roos arrive at the Australian Youth Championships playing in both divisions for the first time.

It’s building off of last year’s pilot project, which saw the Roos compete in the U16 division.

The Roos are a composite team, formed from the next-best available players nominated by each state after final selections are made. The core of the team still lies with players from Canberra.

It’s a pathway designed to ensure talented athletes who narrowly miss out on their home state squads still receive national-level opportunity.

READ ALL PREVIEWS AT THE TOURNAMENT HUB: 2026 Australian Youth Championships

They’re not here to make up numbers. They’re here to win some games.

They’ll have to gel quickly. Each player is currently training with their respective state program and will meet their teammates for the first time the day before the tournament begins!

Let’s meet the players across the two divisions.

U16 ACT ROOS: OPPORTUNITY, UNITY, AND NOTHING TO LOSE

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The ACT Roos arrive at the Australian Youth Championships representing something rare within the national pathway — opportunity.

The Roos are a composite team, made up of the next-best available players from across every state, nominated after state selections are finalised. It’s a model designed to ensure talented athletes who narrowly miss out on their home state squads still gain meaningful national-level experience.

For many in this group, it’s an opportunity they don’t take lightly.

“Two years ago, these kids would be sitting at home on the couch in January,” head coach Kai Meuronen said. “Instead now, they’re playing at AYCs.”

Preparation for the Roos has looked different by necessity. Players have remained embedded in their state programs, with virtual meetings used to introduce the group and align expectations. ACT-based players have trained locally with Meuronen and staff prior to travelling.

Like the Roos themselves, expectations are framed differently.

“Of course we want to win games,” Meuronen said. “But our biggest emphasis is on opportunity. Our expectation is that every player makes the most of it — because it’s not something they should take for granted.”

That shared mindset is already shaping the group.

“We love being the underdog,” said Archer Walsh (Goodwood Baseball Club, SA). “We know other teams will underestimate us, so we’re looking forward to springing a few surprises and causing some upsets.”

Unity is something Meuronen believes will quickly become the Roos’ greatest weapon.

“A big learning from the Roos last year was how fast this group turns into brothers,” he said. “They’re all here for the same reason. They value the same opportunity. And they all have something to prove.”

That feeling is echoed by players who haven’t even shared a field yet.

“Being a composite team, the desire to show up for each other is huge,” said Blake Brennan (Golden Grove Central District Dodgers, SA). “We want to prove ourselves together.”

Culture will form rapidly once the tournament begins, but its foundations are already clear. The Roos have aligned closely with the Team Australia Foundations Document, using it as their guiding framework.

“We may not be a Team Australia team,” Meuronen said. “But we wear the same logo. Our values and actions need to reflect that.”

One of the most unique elements of this roster is the clean slate it offers.

“I haven’t seen the players yet — at all,” Meuronen said. “And that’s the beauty of it. No bias. No preconceptions. Everyone comes in and earns their role.”

That mindset resonates across the roster.

“I’m hungry for success after missing state selection,” said Ethan Everett (Essendon Baseball Club, VIC). “We’ve got nothing to lose.”

Roles, not reputations, will define how the Roos operate across the week.

“Everyone is going to have a role,” Meuronen said. “And no role is bigger or smaller than another.”

As for breakout players?

“Our whole roster,” Meuronen said. “Twenty kids who were all snubbed. Twenty kids with a point to prove.”

That edge is exactly how the Roos want it.

“We are going to cause some chaos,” Meuronen said. “We’re the best of every state — and we have nothing to lose.”

THREE THINGS TO WATCH

1. Unity that forms fast

History shows Roos teams bond quickly. Shared opportunity has a way of accelerating trust.

2. Roles over reputations

With no hierarchy carried in, execution within assigned roles will define the Roos’ success.

3. The chaos factor

A roster full of motivated, overlooked players is unpredictable and dangerous.

U18 ACT ROOS: OPPORTUNITY, ADAPTABILITY, AND A TEAM STILL TO BE DISCOVERED

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Chris Rickard can feel an air of excitement around the A.C.T. Roos.

“For me personally, I’m excited and pleased to be given the opportunity to lead this team,” head coach Chris Rickard said. “For the players, it’s a chance to come together, bond, and compete daily at the Championships.”

Preparation for the Roos looks different by design.

Players have remained embedded within their local state performance pathway programs, arriving tournament-ready despite not yet training together in person.

“They’ve been working with their state high-performance coaches to get to tournament readiness,” Rickard said.

That reality hasn’t dulled motivation.

“Everybody likes an underdog and all the boys will have something to prove,” said Flynn Starkey (Redlands Baseball, Queensland), a pitcher and first baseman bringing extensive national and international experience into the group
pasted
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Kai Harris (Forest Baseball Club / Manly Eagles, NSW) agrees.

“We’re underdogs, so hopefully we can upset some teams,” said Harris, a shortstop who has already competed at national level.

Rickard believes flexibility may become the Roos’ greatest on-field strength.

“We’ve got a lot of utility players,” he said. “That gives us options in the field and helps keep arms fresh through pitching rotations.”

It’s a dynamic that players understand and embrace.

“That we have no idea what anyone can do until we meet in Melbourne — it’s all new,” said Samuel Barden (Turramurra Kissing Point Angels / Manly State League, NSW). “That first session will be very interesting”
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Culture is still forming, but the excitement to compete is already clear.

“The team is excited to come together and compete,” Rickard said.

Several players echoed that anticipation.

“I won’t meet my team until the day before the tournament begins,” said William Matthews (Southern Districts Baseball Club, SA). “But that’s part of the challenge.”

For others, the Roos represent resilience and renewal.

“I’m hungry for success after missing state selection,” said Aiden Riddle (Greater Western Baseball, NSW). “I’ve got grit and motivation to win”

“Having talents from across Australia could really help us perform,” said Owen Hughes (Golden Grove Central Districts).

Behind the plate, Dominic Hamilton (Weston Creek Indians, ACT) brings leadership and national-level experience.

“There’s lots of knowledge and experience from multiple states,” Hamilton said. “That could be a real advantage.”

THREE THINGS TO WATCH

1. How fast chemistry forms

This group won’t have long to settle, but shared opportunity often accelerates connection.

2. Versatility across the diamond

Utility players give the Roos flexibility to adapt lineups, pitching roles, and matchups.

3. Underdog energy

A team full of overlooked players can be unpredictable — and dangerous.

New South Wales Country arrives at the Australian Youth Championships bound by something stronger than postcode or club colours – a shared commitment to the game.

For these players, a love of the game is forged across long drives, early mornings, and a genuine passion for community and sport.

This is a team drawn from one of the largest geographic footprints in the tournament.

READ ALL PREVIEWS AT THE TOURNAMENT HUB: 2026 Australian Youth Championships

Teammates don’t live around the corner from each other. Training often means hours on the road at local clubs. But that distance has shaped, rather than fractured, the groups.

It’s a wild pre-tournament schedule for the kids. The U18 Country Championships are in Wollongong, the Senior Championships are in Lismore, regional training sessions are held in various country regions, team trainings are held in Newcastle, Gosford and Sydney.

The distance? Immense.

With players rounded out from NSW Metro, both Country sides will try to find unity quickly.

Let’s meet each of the teams.

U18 NSW COUNTRY: TOGETHER, NO MATTER THE DISTANCE

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“We cover a large area,” coach Ian Hook said. “The players have to love the game, because they spend a lot of time travelling to get to training and to games.”

Hook has seen it all.

With 22 years coaching Country programs across multiple age groups, he understands how rare it is to turn scattered talent into a connected team, and how powerful it can be when it clicks.

Training has been deliberate rather than constant.

NSW Country has come together fortnightly since October, focusing on fundamentals, trust, and confidence.

“We’re aiming to make top four,” Hook said. “Anything can happen then.”

The blueprint is simple and intentional. NSW Country will rely on pitchers attacking the zone, defenders making plays, and hitters putting the ball in play.

“Pitchers to throw strikes. Good defence. Making good contact,” Hook said.

Those priorities have translated quickly, particularly in the field.

“Good defence,” Hook said, when asked about the biggest improvement since camp began.

That defensive strength is built on familiarity.

Several players have represented NSW Country for multiple years, including Connor McCarthy, who says continuity has made a difference.

“Most of us have played for NSW Country for three-plus years together,” McCarthy, from the Far North Baseball Association, said. “We know each other really well and bond well as a team.”

Belief has been another major focus. Hook has challenged players to trust their instincts and back themselves in key moments.

“Having the confidence in themselves to make the right calls,” he said.

That mindset has helped shape a culture rooted in effort and mateship.

“Supporting, back each other, hard workers, mateship,” Hook said.

Roster selection reflected those values. NSW Country prioritised players who were willing to invest in their growth — often while balancing travel, school, and club commitments.

“Players who wanted to work hard on their game and not give up on themselves and their teammates,” Hook said.

Several players fit that mould and could make a real impact during the tournament.

Ben Frost is one.

“Nobody works harder,” says Hook.

Behind the plate, Tyler Boggiss brings leadership and experience after multiple AYC campaigns, while Patrick Harrison adds consistency and control on the mound, having pitched regularly in senior competitions.

In the middle of the diamond, Connor McCarthy provides stability and contact at the plate, while Mikaere Pora adds athleticism and explosiveness in the outfield after a rapid rise through Country pathways.

On the pitching side, Cohen Ryan returns to the national stage after injury, having previously delivered one of the most memorable complete-game performances at an AYC. His ability to control games when healthy adds a significant dimension to the staff.

Together, they form a group that understands sacrifice, values effort, and thrives on connection — even when separated by hundreds of kilometres.

THREE THINGS TO WATCH

1. Togetherness built over distance

This is a group used to limited time together — and they’ve learned how to connect quickly. That cohesion can be decisive in tight games.

2. Defence keeping them competitive

Clean defence has been a clear point of improvement and will be critical in helping NSW Country stay in games against deeper lineups.

3. Hard-earned breakout performances

Players like Frost, Harrison, Ryan, and Pora bring very different strengths, but all share a willingness to work. Expect a few Country names to emerge as the tournament unfolds.

U16 NSW COUNTRY: TOGETHER AND TOUGH

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Like the U18s, there’s a large spread of distances covered to make up this team.

Players come from across the state — from the Far North Coast to the Hunter, Illawarra, Sydney fringe and Central Coast — and that geography has defined their journey.

“Our preparation has been as best as we can manage given that we have players from across the Country regions of NSW,” coach Garry Everson said. “Prior to coming together as a group, players from each region were asked to prepare locally.”

That reality hasn’t weakened the group.

“We don’t see each other much because of how far away each other live,” Lismore utility player Corey Daniels said. “But we all train extremely hard, so when we come together it can flow easily.”

When the squad did assemble, the focus was clear: fundamentals, trust, and playing the game the right way.

“My expectations are to play smart baseball, take advantage of opportunities, pay attention and support each other,” Everson said.

That approach has translated into a culture the coach is proud of.

“The team culture has been outstanding,” he said. “The boys are very focused.”

Players describe it in simpler terms.

“Our sense of community and teamwork,” one player said.

“Strong camaraderie for a team separated by large distances,” Lincoln Wilson (North Coast Brewers) added.

On the field, NSW Country’s identity is built around defence, strike-throwing, and contact.

“Pitchers to throw strikes. Good defence. Making good contact,” Everson said.

Defence, in particular, has been a clear point of growth.

“They have bonded well with each other,” Everson said. “They have matured in body, mind and experience. They have a determination to succeed.”

That determination shows up across the roster. Blake Fleming (Belmont) points to resilience as a defining trait.

“Our biggest strength is resilience,” he said. “We bounce back and find a way to come back.”

Roster selection reflected maturity and composure as much as talent.

“Best fit for each position. Maturity and approach. Ability to remain calm under pressure,” Everson said.

Several players have positioned themselves as names to watch as the tournament unfolds.

Kirk Gilbert (White Sox, Newcastle) brings versatility across multiple positions and a strong competitive edge after extensive representative experience.

Austin Turner (Belmont)  adds power on the mound and athleticism, returning after a challenging injury period with renewed focus.

Liam Gardner (Belmont) anchors the infield with consistency and work ethic, while Riley Coombes (Wyong Wildcats) provides sharp reflexes and reliability at third base.

Lachlan Leicht (Taren Point) arrives after a standout club season and USA tour experience, combining offensive production with composure beyond his years.

Whether it’s players overcoming injury, travel, floods, or limited resources, NSW Country arrives with a collective belief that effort and unity can close any gap.

THREE THINGS TO WATCH

1. Togetherness built across distance

This group has learned how to connect quickly and trust each other. That cohesion could be decisive in close games.

2. Defence setting the tone

Improved fielding and communication will be key to keeping pressure off the pitching staff.

3. Breakout performances everywhere

From Gilbert and Turner to Gardner, Leicht, Coombes and Ryan, NSW Country has multiple players capable of stepping into the spotlight.

Western Australia certainly has a knack for tournament baseball.

Over the last few years, we’ve seen Western Australia regularly medal at events of all shapes and sizes.

At the 2025 Australian Youth Championships, they were one of two states to medal in both divisions.

Western Australia repeated that feat at the Women’s and Youth Women’s Championships.

READ ALL PREVIEWS AT THE TOURNAMENT HUB: 2026 Australian Youth Championships

In charter competition, they’ve dominated. In fact, the 2025 Wanneroo Giants and 2024 Eastern Phantoms made some of the deepest runs we’ve seen from an Australia side at the Senior League championships. Many of those players factor in across the WA rosters.

Experience, pedigree, pride and an understanding of tournament baseball may help Western Australia drive home some more hardware in Melbourne.

Let’s meet the teams.

U16 WESTERN AUSTRALIA: VERSATILE, INCLUSIVE, AND BUILT TO COMPETE

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Click here for roster. 

2025 Result: Bronze Medal

Western Australia enters the Australian Youth Championships with a U16 group shaped around adaptability, effort, and a clear expectation to compete deep into the tournament.

Coached by Aaron Ottoway, this WA side has been prepared with a simple focus: build a connected group, define roles, and be ready to perform when it matters most.

“The expectation is to compete for a medal in January,” Ottoway said.

Preparation has been efficient and purposeful. The squad has trained twice a week through the lead-in, before ramping up across the final days prior to travel. Rather than overload, Ottoway has emphasised quality and clarity.

“Having players that can fulfil certain specific roles was a key factor in finalising the roster,” he said.

That thinking has shaped the identity of the group. WA’s biggest strength, according to Ottoway, is versatility — players who can move between roles and contribute in different ways.

“Most of the team has the ability to play multiple roles and contribute in different aspects,” he said. “That versatility will help us achieve team success.”

Players have echoed that flexibility across the group.

“We don’t really have any holes in our team,” outfielder Flynn Hennessy said.

“We have a lot of depth and get along really well,” pitcher Noah Mills added. “We work well as a team and know each other’s strengths.”

That versatility has gone hand-in-hand with a strong cultural foundation. From the outset of camp, the group has focused on inclusivity and connection.

“The team is very inclusive and have transitioned well, creating a solid team environment,” Ottoway said.

Catcher Jake Coorey pointed to chemistry as a defining strength.

“Probably our chemistry,” he said, when asked what sets the group apart.

On the field, the biggest growth has come in how players approach learning, communication, and execution.

“Adapting to new ways of learning the game and expectations has been a big improvement,” Ottoway said. “Raising default levels at practice to get better and improve every day as a group.”

Training sessions have been built around detail. Communication has been prioritised, particularly on defence, along with developing internal clocks and sharpening execution offensively. For pitchers, controlling the running game has been a key focus.

“Pitchers working quicker to the plate to control the running has been important,” Ottoway said.

Several players pointed to defence and fielding as areas of pride.

“Our defence,” utility Hudson Ostaszewskyj said, when asked about the team’s biggest strength.

Shortstop Enzel Takuta added that clean fielding has been a focus, emphasising the importance of preventing extra bases and bad hops.

That attention to detail reflects how WA traditionally plays the game.

“We’ve always played a scrappy brand of baseball as a state,” Ottoway said. “Our ability to compete has made WA a tough team to play for many years.”

One player posed to make an impact on the national stage is Arata Samukawa. The returning infielder and pitcher has put together a strong off-season and brings multiple tools to the lineup.

“He’s had a really big off-season in the gym and on the field,” Ottoway said. “He’s a plus runner with good baseball IQ, can run havoc on the bases, and is a switch hitter with solid contact skills.”

Samukawa’s teammates have noticed as well.

“One of our strongest players,” Hennessy said. “He’s looking to have a big tournament.”

With versatility across the roster, a strong team environment, and a clear competitive edge, Western Australia’s U16 group enters the Australian Youth Championships ready to test itself against the best — and confident it can stay in the fight.

THREE THINGS TO WATCH

1. Versatility across the diamond

WA’s ability to move players between roles gives them flexibility in-game and across the tournament, particularly in tight matchups.

2. Defensive communication and execution

Internal clocks, cleaner communication, and attention to detail on defence will be central to how WA controls games.

3. Chemistry under pressure

This is a group that knows each other well and genuinely enjoys playing together — a valuable edge when games tighten late.

U18 WESTERN AUSTRALIA: BUILT FOR TOURNAMENT BASEBALL

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2025 Result: Silver Medal

Western Australia arrives at the Australian Youth Championships with a U18 group that is deeply familiar with the demands of tournament baseball — and confident it can handle them.

Led by head coach Kurt Russell, this WA squad brings together talent, structure, and a rare level of shared experience.

Fifteen players on the roster have previously won some division of a Little League National Championship, representing either the Wanneroo Giants or Eastern Phantoms at least one World Series event in the USA.

Many of them have medalled at the U16 or U18 Australian Championships.

That history matters. It means this group understands pool play, short turnarounds, elimination pressure, and what it takes to perform across a full championship week.

“Medal,” Russell said when asked about expectations. “We believe we have a legitimate pathway to a national championship.”

Preparation has been carefully managed to support that goal.

WA balanced club commitments with state program demands through the early stages, before ramping up in mid-December to sharpen the group ahead of the tournament.

“We’ve had a really good balance between club commitments and the state program as we managed the workload towards our December ramp-up,” Russell said.

That planning reflects how the roster was built.

WA’s biggest strength lies in its construction — clear roles, depth across the board, and enough pitching to withstand the demands of a long tournament.

“Roster construction is our biggest strength,” Russell said. “We’ve got a really good balance of pitchers and position players, with minimal two-way athletes. That allows for a lot of lineup continuity.”

Players say that clarity has translated directly into buy-in.

“General role understanding has been a big focus for us,” return player Lenny Golding said, noting that the group has embraced individual responsibilities within the team structure.

That buy-in is underpinned by continuity.

The majority of this group has played together for the past two years, and that familiarity has shaped the culture and standards within the team.

“They understand what the requirements are,” Russell said. “The culture for this group has been constructed to harbour on-field success.”

That connection is felt throughout the squad.

Pitcher Oliver Newham pointed to the group’s familiarity, noting that many players have competed against — and alongside — each other for years, helping build trust and cohesion.

On the field, WA continues to lean into a long-standing strength: offence. The state has a reputation for producing position players and offensive depth, and this group fits that profile.

“Our lineup has depth one through nine,” outfielder Tom Williams said, highlighting the ability to apply pressure throughout the order. Williams himself has gone deep at a Senior League World Series.

That offensive firepower is paired with pitching depth — a necessity in a metal-bat environment.

“Building out the depth chart and making sure all roles were covered was critical,” Russell said. “From there, we had to ensure we had enough arms to get through the tournament.”

Pitchers have embraced that responsibility.

Dylan Palethorpe said efficiency and attacking hitters early have been key focus points, while Ryan Warner pointed to the strength of the pitching staff as a whole.

Keep an eye on Chayce Benseman and Monty Smith as players poised to establish themselves on the national stage.

Russell also notes the youth amongst the group.

“I’d expect us to be one of the youngest teams in this competition,” Russell said. “The youth coming through is exciting.”

With championship experience embedded throughout the roster, clearly defined roles, and voices that match the ambition, Western Australia enters the U18 Australian Youth Championships with one objective — to be playing meaningful baseball at the business end of the week.

THREE THINGS TO WATCH

1. Championship experience across the roster

With 15 players who have already won a charter National Championship, WA understands how to navigate the rhythm, pressure, and recovery demands of a full tournament week.

2. Lineup depth from top to bottom

WA’s offence is built to apply pressure throughout the order, giving them multiple ways to score and limiting opportunities for opponents to pitch around danger hitters.

3. Pitching depth in a metal-bat tournament

Clear roles and a deep pitching staff will be critical as WA manages innings, matchups, and recovery across consecutive games.

Victorian players have a rare opportunity in front of them – a chance to win a national title at home.

It’s a proud baseball state with a long history of success.

Both the Under 18s and Under 16s have recent gold medals and always seem to be in the mix.

It’s a proud program built on the expectation of producing results.

READ ALL PREVIEWS AT THE TOURNAMENT HUB: 2026 Australian Youth Championships

Can one of the country’s most successful program capitalise on home field advantage?

U18 VICTORIA: A HOME STATE TEST

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Two years removed from their most recent U18 title, Victoria hopes to use a promising group of players who have climbed through their ranks to bring back gold.

Gold, on home soil, that is.

Coached by Marshall Skinner, this squad features players who have spent years progressing through Victorian pathways, gaining repeated exposure to national championships, charter tournaments, and international opportunities.

“Most of our guys have been in the system for a number of years now,” Skinner said. “They’re used to playing at this kind of level.”

Preparation has been demanding. Victoria has trained as a squad twice a week, with additional individual sessions layered around club commitments — leaving many players on the field up to five days a week.

That workload has allowed the coaching staff to focus on detail rather than foundations.

“We’ve seen a better understanding of team defence, base running, field positioning and depth,” Skinner said.

Those finer points have stood out to players as well.

“Our biggest strength is our depth,” said Mitchell Langworthy (Moorabbin Baseball Club). “We’ve got heaps of good pitching and good hitting through the lineup.”

Skinner added he homes the depth translates to one easy message.

“Team first,” Skinner said simply.

That mentality is echoed across the roster.

“We’ve got an all-round talented group of guys who really hold the drive to win,” said Ryley Shanks (Essendon Baseball Club). “Everyone knows what it takes.”

Experience runs deep. Several Victorians have played at multiple Australian Youth Championships, charter nationals, and international tournaments.

Pitcher Brandon Elton (Sandringham Baseball Club) brings a resume that includes Little League, Junior League, Senior League Nationals, multiple AYCs, and Team Australia experience.

“Everyone can do whatever is needed of them at any time,” Elton said. “That’s what makes this group strong.”

On the mound, Victoria’s pitching depth is a recurring theme.

“Our biggest strength would be our pitching,” said Marcus Murphy (Essendon Baseball Club).

That depth is bolstered by players returning healthy and confident. Riley Peoples (Geelong Baycats / Melbourne Aces) missed last year’s tournament through injury but is back in the mix. He has been pitching for the Melbourne Aces the last few months.

“Staying healthy has been the biggest thing for me,” Peoples said. “This group has serious depth.”

Others have taken pride in how the group executes the details.

“Our consistency through the whole lineup stands out,” said Roman Coote (Williamstown Wolves).

Behind the plate, catchers Jordan Ellis (Geelong Baycats / Melbourne Aces) and Sam Walk (Doncaster Baseball Club) bring leadership, physicality, and big-game experience.

“The vibe and relationship we have with each other is huge,” Ellis said. “We all try to bring the best out of each other.”
Skinner believes two players are particularly well placed for strong tournaments.

“Mitch Langworthy is maybe in the best shape he’s been for an AYC,” he said. “And Liam Puncher is starting to develop velocity and command.”

Puncher (Moorabbin Baseball Club / Melbourne Aces) sees that growth as collective.

“Mateship — and that we play for each other,” he said.

Victoria will face a unique challenge this year, competing in their home state across three different venues, each playing differently.

“We’re looking forward to some new challenges,” Skinner said. “Being in our home state for the first time in a while and adapting to different grounds.”

THREE THINGS TO WATCH

1. Pitching depth

Multiple arms with national and international experience give Victoria options across the week.

2. Detail in execution

Team defence, base running, and positioning have been a focus — small moments may decide big games.

3. Adapting to home conditions

Three venues, three different styles. How Victoria adjusts could shape their tournament.

U16 PREVIEW | Players cite strong team bond ahead of a National Championship at home

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Victoria enters the Australian Youth Championships with a U16 group built on balance, familiarity, and steady improvement across the program.

The team is led by a coaching group with deep experience at this level. The head coach, based at Moorabbin Panthers, is in his third consecutive year leading the U16 Victorian program, alongside a staff that has worked closely together through multiple campaigns.

Preparation has been consistent and deliberate.

“We’ve trained Monday and Wednesday since the second week of November,” the coach said. “We also played five games in four days against South Australia from December 26 to 29.”

That lead-in has helped accelerate growth for a group with significant turnover.

“We’ve only got four returning players from last year,” he said. “But the young group has consistently improved throughout the program.”

That improvement has been evident across the diamond. While Victoria expects to be even on both sides of the ball, the offence brings an element of experience through returning hitters and second-year Roos players.

“I think we’ll be fairly even on both sides,” the coach said. “Our offence has some experience with returning hitters from last year’s team as well as second-year Roos players.”

Culture has been a strong foundation. Many players have progressed together through Victoria’s Futures Program, giving them an early understanding of expectations and standards.

“I’ve seen a focused and supportive group,” the coach said. “A majority of these players have come through our futures program together, which has given them familiarity with each other and clarity around how to train and play.”

Players have felt that connection quickly.

“The way we have gelled together really well,” said Jack Northfield (Geelong Baycats).

“Team chemistry,” added Tom Hill (Moorabbin Baseball Club), a returning player with multiple AYC appearances.

As the program progressed, improvements have come broadly rather than in one isolated area.
“We’ve had improvements across the board,” the coach said. “That’s often what happens in this age group.”

On the field, Victoria has prioritised execution under pressure.

“Teams that throw strikes and handle the ball are successful in these tournaments,” the coach said. “We’ve manipulated game situations so we can keep the game from speeding up on us.”

That approach aligns with what players see as the group’s strengths.

“Our team is pretty balanced,” said Darcy Squire (Melbourne Baseball Club).

“Lots of good pitching,” added Cale Morris (Geelong Baycats), an Australian representative.
Roster selection was expanded this year to give players more opportunities to show themselves in game settings.

“We added extra trials and scrimmage games,” the coach said. “That allowed a couple of surprises to come through and earn their spots with their performances.”

Several players have positioned themselves for strong tournaments.

Darcy Squire has impressed on the mound with pitching IQ and composure.

Jacob Tayler, a bottom-age player from Blackburn Baseball Club, continues to stand out for his work ethic and competitiveness.

Tom Hill, returning after an unlucky tournament last year, has taken on greater leadership and consistency.

“He hit the ball well last year without much luck,” the coach said of Hill. “He’s shown good leadership this year and I hope he gets rewarded for his effort.”

Across the roster, versatility remains a defining feature.

“We have many two-way players,” said Sam Stafilis (Waverley Baseball Club).

“We can all play multiple positions and perform well,” added Parks Halasz (Werribee Giants).
That flexibility is paired with resilience and experience.

Edison Bush (Blackburn Baseball Club) and Jacob Tayler bring national-team experience, while Cruize Chase (Newport Rams) adds a story of perseverance after returning from knee surgery at a young age.

The coaching staff itself also brings continuity.

“It’s my second year together with Ethan,” the coach said. “And we’re excited to add Bryan Kloppe as our pitching coach. He’s had great experience coaching in the independent leagues in America.”

With balance across the roster, improving execution, and a group that has grown together through the pathway, Victoria’s U16 team enters the Australian Youth Championships ready to test itself — and confident that its preparation will hold up when the game speeds up.

THREE THINGS TO WATCH

1. Versatility across the roster

Multiple two-way players give Victoria flexibility with lineups, pitching usage, and late-game matchups.

2. Big-game experience

Australian teams = many players have already performed on major stages.

3. Team chemistry

Repeatedly cited by players, the way this group has gelled could be a separator in tight contests.

New South Wales are the defending U18 champions.

They’re only two years removed from a dominant Gold Medal display at the Under 16s.

Can NSW go back-to-back?  Is it possible the largest baseball state in Australia wins them both?

We can’t wait to find out.

READ ALL PREVIEWS AT THE TOURNAMENT HUB: 2026 Australian Youth Championships

U18 NEW SOUTH WALES: DEFENDING CHAMPS BRING BACK PLENTY OF EXPERIENCE

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New South Wales arrives at the Australian Youth Championships with a U18 group built on familiarity, trust, and an understanding of what the tournament demands.

They’re also the defending gold medalists.

A number of players return to the side that took home the title a year ago.

Coached by Phil Hemmer, this squad reflects years of continuity across the NSW pathway.

Many players have grown up playing with and against one another through state league, national championships, and international tours — and that shared history has shaped both culture and expectation.

“They’re all mates,” Hemmer said. “They’ve played together and against each other for a long time. They respect each other.”

NSW has trained fortnightly with sessions designed to replicate tournament conditions, often under fatigue, while players continue club commitments and development opportunities linked to the Sydney ABL environment.

“We’ve been training with the intent of playing and training under fatigue,” Hemmer said. “The idea is being educated and making smart decisions when you’re tired.”

That approach resonates with players across the roster.

“The biggest strength of our team is our unity,” said Tristan Crynes (Blacktown Workers). “We all support and push each other to improve every training.”

Culture has been a consistent theme throughout camp.

“Respectful of each other and the game. Hard workers. We trust each other,” Hemmer said.

That trust shows up in leadership, particularly from players already tested at senior levels.

“The leadership of the older senior-playing group has really stood out,” Hemmer said.

Shortstop Frank Clarke (Ryde Hawks), a multiple-time AYC champion, sees that leadership as action-based.

“I don’t just talk the talk, I walk the walk,” Clarke said. “I’ve got everyone’s back in our team.”

On the field, NSW has focused on decision-making under pressure — reading situations clearly and executing when the body is tired.

“We bond very well together,” said Kobe Cusbert, a former U16 MVP (Baulkham Hills). “That makes it easier to trust each other when things get tight.”

The depth across the roster means impact can come from anywhere.

On the mound, Harley Gibson (Manly Eagles) brings international tournament experience and resilience after returning from injury.

“I’ve played in Perfect Game tournaments in the US and Japan,” Gibson said. “Coming back from injury has made me appreciate every opportunity.”

Behind the plate, Riley Jones (Cronulla Sharks) adds calm and experience after catching at first-grade level and representing Australia.

“All players are on the same page as far as commitment and playing for each other,” Jones said.

In the outfield, Ryan Reekie (Ryde Hawks) brings athleticism and adaptability after transitioning from shortstop.

“Our fielding and hitting are big strengths,” Reekie said.

Around the infield, Tahlan Cavill (Blacktown Workers) and Jackson Griffiths (Cronulla Sharks / Greenway Giants) provide power, versatility, and big-game experience, while Ben Sawyer (Blacktown Workers) adds depth and consistency across the outfield.

Keep and eye on Ashton Kennedy to play a big role. The recent college commit was one on the Team of the Tournament at the recent U18 World Cup.

Sawyer believes the roster’s balance stands out.

“We have depth at all positions,” he said. “Everyone can contribute.”

For Hemmer, that collective depth is the point.

“We’ve got returning players, first-year players, and first-time representatives,” he said. “I’d be watching for big performances from everyone.”

THREE THINGS TO WATCH

1. Leadership when fatigue hits

NSW has trained specifically for tired moments. Senior players setting standards late in games could be decisive.

2. Decision-making under pressure

Educated baseball has been a priority. Clean reads and smart execution will matter in close contests.

3. Depth everywhere

From the mound to the middle infield to the outfield, NSW has multiple players capable of stepping into big moments.

U16 PREVIEW: DEPTH AND DETERMINATION HIGHLIGHTS POWERHOUSE PROGRAM

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New South Wales arrives at the Australian Youth Championships with a U16 group shaped by depth, pitching variety, and a belief built on recent success.

Manager Matt O’Neill, affiliated locally with the Ryde Hawks, brings a résumé that reflects sustained winning at this level. He has been part of two U16 AYC gold medal teams, coached 10-plus national tournaments with the Ryde charter—including Senior League and Junior League national titles—and worked with the Australian U12 team. That experience has influenced both preparation and expectations.

Preparation, O’Neill says, has been exactly where it needs to be.

“Really good,” he said. “The team has come together really well. We’ve been doing two sessions a week and you can really see the change.”

The expectations are clear and unambiguous.

“We will be there at the end,” O’Neill said.

The foundation of that confidence is depth—particularly on the mound. NSW has assembled a staff with multiple looks, giving the team flexibility across a long tournament week.

“Depth,” O’Neill said when asked about the group’s biggest strength. “Pitching. We’ve got loads of arms who give you different looks.”

That pitching depth, paired with roster flexibility, was central to selection.

“Pitching depth and roster flexibility,” O’Neill said. “That’s what we prioritised.”

Culture has followed preparation. Training sessions have been purposeful and demanding, with players leaning into standards.

“Motivated. Driven,” O’Neill said, describing the group.

As camp progressed, the biggest improvement he’s seen has been between the ears.

“The ability to slow down and process the game,” he said.

That shift has been supported by a deliberate focus on fundamentals.

“Big focus on the fundamentals,” O’Neill said. “You can’t win if you can’t catch and throw the ball.”

Within a roster built for balance, there are a few players poised for strong tournaments.

Noah Nash is one.

“He’s a returner and a future star,” O’Neill said. “He can impact the game in so many ways.”
Another is Jett, a left-handed pitcher with experience in big moments.

“Jett’s a lefty who has big-game experience,” O’Neill said.

Zooming out, O’Neill believes New South Wales’ strength as a baseball state comes from understanding what works—and repeating it.

“Having been to a lot of tournaments, I think I’ve got a recipe that’s pretty successful,” he said. “Repeat that and put the kids in a position to do their part.”

With pitching depth, improving composure, and a group that expects to be playing late into the tournament, New South Wales enters the U16 Australian Youth Championships with confidence grounded in preparation—and a clear goal in mind.

THREE THINGS TO WATCH

1. Pitching variety

NSW’s ability to throw different looks at hitters could be decisive across the week.

2. Game speed and composure

The group’s growth in slowing the game down will matter most in tight situations.

3. Late-tournament durability

Depth and flexibility give NSW the tools to still be strong when it counts most.

Queensland prepares for a national tournament like no other.

They go international.

From playing teams abroad in Taiwan, to welcoming international clubs to their home state, Queensland is tactfully exposing their players to all sorts of different styles of baseball.

READ ALL PREVIEWS AT THE TOURNAMENT HUB: 2026 Australian Youth Championships

They’ll hope it pays off at the upcoming national championships.

Let’s meet both sides.

U16 QUEENSLAND: BONDED, BATTLE-READY, TESTED AND CHASING A MEDAL

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Coached by Phil Overlack, this squad has been shaped through a demanding and thorough preparation phase.

Queensland has trained weekly since September, played a six-game series against a touring New Zealand U16 side, and completed multiple multi-day camps designed to test execution, resilience, and team defence.

“We’ve been training once a week since the start of September,” Overlack said. “Then we had camps where mornings were fundamentals and team defence, and afternoons were game play.”

The expectation is clear.

“Playing for a medal at the back end of the tournament,” Overlack said.

That belief is shared throughout the group. A defining feature of this Queensland team has been how quickly it has come together.

“This group has bonded really well,” Overlack said. “A lot of strike throwers and guys that just compete.”

Players feel that connection on and off the field.

“Our bond,” said Lewis Hill (Redlands Rays), when asked what stands out about the group.

“We are cohesive and all get along really well,” added Kai Flynn-Ballard (Redlands Rays).

Confidence has grown steadily through preparation.

“Confidence and belief in each other,” Overlack said, describing the biggest improvement he has seen since camp began.

That confidence is underpinned by significant big-game experience.

A large contingent of this Queensland squad previously represented Australia at the Junior League World Series with Brisbane North, giving the group first-hand exposure to international pressure, packed schedules, and win-or-go-home baseball. It’s experience that has shaped both belief and composure within the team.

Execution under pressure has been a major focus throughout camp.

“Making the routine play under pressure,” Overlack said. “And knowing all the team defence — bunt defence, first-and-thirds, everything.”

Several players echoed that mindset.

“Our fielding and pitching,” said Patrick Fogg (Narangba Demons), identifying the team’s foundation. Fogg is one of several Queenslanders who just returned from the U15 World Cup Qualifiers in Guam.

“Our team is extremely strong at picking each other up on and off the field,” said Zavier Leigh (Robina Braves). “We’re aggressive in all aspects of the game.”

Roster construction focused on balance and strike-throwing, giving Queensland flexibility across a long tournament.
“Just looking for a well-balanced squad,” Overlack said. “With a lot of strike throwers.”

That balance brings depth and multiple avenues to impact games.

Buzz Mechum (Surfers Paradise) returns for his second AYC as a left-handed centre fielder and pitcher, combining speed, strength, and consistency.

Will Bain (Pine Rivers Rapids) adds range and arm strength in the middle of the diamond.

Archer Peterson (Redcliffe Padres) arrives for his first AYC after starring at the U15 World Cup Qualifier, already recognised as one of the top athletes in the country for his age. He also represented Australia at the Junior League World Series.

Chase Crew (Redcliffe Padres), another World Series rep, returns after injury interrupted his pathway, bringing advanced game awareness and command.

Tyler Wilson (Pine Rivers Rapids) brings rare pedigree, having competed at Little League, Intermediate League, and Junior League World Series level.

Around them, Queensland’s depth continues.

Lachlan Pawsey (GBL) provides leadership behind the plate after international experience with Team Australia.

That exposure to big moments is something Overlack sees as a defining Queensland strength.

“A lot of these athletes have been to numerous World Series,” he said. “They’re competitive, good mates, and team-first.”

There is also an edge driving this group.

“As the coach, I was very disappointed with how we performed last year,” Overlack said. “We will be better this year.”

With belief growing, execution drilled, and a roster built to thrive under pressure, Queensland’s U16 group enters the Australian Youth Championships determined to turn experience into results.

THREE THINGS TO WATCH

1. Strike throwing across the staff

Queensland’s depth of strike-throwers gives them a chance to control tempo and limit free bases.

2. Execution in pressure moments

Routine plays and situational defence have been drilled relentlessly — especially valuable late in games.

3. Big-game composure

International World Series experience means this group understands pressure and pace when it matters most.

U18 QUEENSLAND: DEPTH, DISCIPLINE, AND BELIEF

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Queensland enters the Australian Youth Championships with a U18 group built on preparation, experience, and a growing belief in what this team can become.

Led by head coach David Badke, Queensland’s program has been shaped through a structured and demanding lead-in.

In fact, it’s a preparation like no other. They have played all over the world.

The group emerged from a statewide showcase series, then tested itself internationally at the U18 Taiwan International Tournament in New Taipei City, followed by a six-game series against New Zealand in mid-December.

Half the team travelled to Taiwan, with the remainder competing in the New Zealand series. The squad regrouped on 27 December for a four-day training camp.

“Preparation has been good,” Badke said. “We gave players opportunities to showcase themselves, then tested the group in international environments before locking in our final work. These pre-AYC tournaments offer an excellent opportunity to identify key areas of focus ahead of final preparations.”

Players felt the value of that exposure.

“Got to travel to Taiwan before with people from the Queensland team,” said Max Stefanutto (Windsor Royals). “It helped us come together as one.”

The expectations are grounded in process rather than prediction.

“To be competitive in every game, be consistent with our processes, and execute when opportunities present,” Badke said. “If we can do this, the results will take care of themselves.”

That kind team-first of approach helped Queensland win a national championship in 2023.

It’s reflected throughout the roster.

Queensland’s biggest strength lies in its pitching depth, bolstered by experienced returners and arms that have already competed at national and international level.

“Our roster is pretty consistent,” Badke said. “The pitching depth, with several older players returning, will be a real benefit.”

Pitcher Kobi Wise (Surfers Paradise Baseball Club) sees that depth as a defining feature.

“Our pitching staff,” he said, when asked about the team’s biggest strength. “Staying consistent will be key.”
The culture within the group has also continued to strengthen.

From an offensive standpoint, producing three to five runs will be key to supporting Queensland’s pitching depth and keeping the squad in games for longer periods.

“The culture has been positive,” Badke said. “The group has worked hard and looks like they’re being good teammates to each other.”

That sense of connection is echoed by players across clubs and regions.

“We work as a team and persevere through tough times,” said Leo McKenna (Windsor Royals).

“Our whole team gets along very well,” added Paddy McLoughlin (Redcliffe Padres). “Pitching will be a big standout this year.”

Defensively, Queensland has prioritised reliability and repeatable execution.

“Defence and being consistent,” Badke said, describing the focus of training sessions.

Outfielder Alonzo Zaire Griffin (Redcliffe Padres), who has been to multiple World Series events, pointed to the same theme.

“We’ve got heart and work together as a team,” he said, reflecting on how the group handles pressure.

One player poised for a strong national campaign is Patrick Crotty, whose journey over the past year has been anything but linear. Crotty pitched for Australia at the U18 World Cup and features a fast-ball approaching 90mph.

“Patrick has had a great year on the mound,” Badke said. “He’s was selected in the U18 World Cup Team and is progressing very well.”

Crotty has already been identified by selectors as a potential signing by a professional club.

“Hard throwing right-hander with control and excellent breaking stuff,” McLoughlin said of Crotty.

Queensland’s depth means impact can come from many areas.

Thomas Calvert (Redlands Rays) brings experience and durability, having represented Queensland and Australia multiple times.

Leo McKenna (Windsor Royals) anchors the left side of the infield with arm strength and international experience from Japan.

Blake McPherson (Pine Hills Lightning) adds athleticism in the outfield after multiple national campaigns.

Tirrell Waiwai (Brisbane North program) gives Queensland another power arm with big-game experience from Little League and Junior League nationals.

Across the roster, the common thread is development through opportunity — a strength Badke sees as central to baseball in the state.

“The development and performance programs, with some great coaches and mentors,” he said.

With international preparation behind them, pitching depth throughout the roster, and a growing belief in their identity, Queensland enters the U18 Australian Youth Championships ready to compete every day.

THREE THINGS TO WATCH

1. Pitching depth across the tournament

Queensland has multiple arms capable of starting, relieving, and matching up late. Managing innings will be a major advantage.

2. Defence setting the baseline

Consistency in the field has been a priority. Clean defence will allow Queensland’s pitching to control games.

3. Breakout performances from a deep roster

From Crotty and Wise on the mound to McKenna, Calvert, and McPherson around the diamond, Queensland has no shortage of players ready to step into big moments.